DOJ drops effort to block counting of disputed California ballots

The U.S. Department of Justice has moved to dismiss its lawsuit that aimed to stop California from counting approximately 20,000 ballots alleged to have been cast by noncitizens, according to the Associated Press reporting from Los Angeles.

This decision comes shortly after the midterm elections and just before a scheduled hearing where a special master was to review the accuracy of the list of disputed voters. California officials have stated that the list is outdated and includes legitimate voters, a view supported by the federal judge overseeing the case who denied the government's request.

The lawsuit was part of efforts during the Trump administration to increase federal oversight of state elections amid claims of illegal voting, claims that were not supported by evidence. The Department of Justice continues to face legal challenges from immigrant and voting rights groups regarding its use of the list of suspected noncitizen voters.

California had processed about 9 million ballots with nearly 5 million still to be counted at the time of the dismissal motion, as reported by state election officials. The case highlights ongoing tensions over election integrity and voting rights in California and across the nation.